Letters to the Editor from Muriel M. Davidson 25 Crestview Avenue Brampton, ON L6W 2R8 905-451-3542 ====================== To all readers:- Should any person receive a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis as described in the August 1 issue of The Brampton Guardian, I suggest a second opinion be obtained as soon as possible. The statement "MS not as bad as some people think" makes me believe only the first few pages of a textbook were studied. Multiple Sclerosis is not life threatening in itself -- but the disease drains every bit of family resources, financially and emotional. Finally, the disease thrusts itself on fragile parts of the body, such as lungs, kidneys -- followed by death. My youngest brother passed away March 16, 2004, following 44 years of MS -- in our family it is a genetic "hand-me-down", first found in 1824, then 1909, after a relative had "creeping paralysis" for 30 years. As it seems to take about seven years to make its presence known, the first signs we noticed was limping. My brother and his girl-friend married, and her brother -- a haemotologist who knew the family history -- received the multiple sclerosis diagnosis with the first test. At first his chartered accountant practice was great, even had others working for him, national treasurer for the Canadian MS Society -- then his body started showing signs of failure. He was able to drive a car with hand controls and as he lived in Nova Scotia, received free cell phone service for emergency care. Due to inability to obtain life insurance, he invested in real estate, forming his own company, with one son as manager. His life became filled with walkers, then wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts, elevator to his bedroom, loss of speech -- so one can see, MS is MUCH more than the statement given by the doctor. He was fortunate to be living in Halifax where MS research is ongoing at Dalhousie University and Victoria General Hospital. An examination would mean his tests would be read by computer at more than six locations, including Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic. For my brother, death was a release from pain and suffering, and as a family, we now know he is free of this illness. Should anyone have the Sunday, August 15 issue of The Brampton Guardian available, I suggest the letter from the Brampton & Caledon Chapter, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada be read. "MS not as bad as some people think" is definitely incorrect and should read "MS is as bad as some people believe". Due to inability to work as the illness progresses, one still has to live and therefore funds are necessary. Research is ongoing at Dalhousie University as part of the Atlantic Branch of the society. My interest in family research uncovered the fact an ancestor was in the last stages of a "paralytic condition" in 1824, then my gr.aunt died in 1909. The Canada Census committee is hopeful the 1911 census is released very soon -- there are often remarks by the enumerator which give guidance to present-day families Muriel M. Davidson